Take Time Out To Stop Domestic Violence Crimes

Most of us have seen fear in the eyes of a young child who has become lost in a department store. No doubt, some of our readers have helped such a child find his or her parents. And many of us would stop to help a puppy standing alone in the middle of a busy intersection.

When someone's fear of being lost is obvious or they're in eminent danger of being hit by a car, few of us would hesitate to get involved.

We should react no differently when we see a woman or child being hurt and frightened by an abusive man. Abusers wield incredible destructive power, and their victims may be just as helpless as a lost child or a confused puppy.

We would like to thank Jean Oliver for contributing her guest commentary about domestic violence to this editorial page. Her words help us understand the pain a mother feels when she knows her daughter and grandsons are being abused.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This event is more than just a piece of paper on the bulletin board at the grocery store. It's a call to arms against one of the most common violent destroyers in our community. It carries a message of hope to all who feel trapped and afraid. It is a chance for all of us to learn what we can do -- how we can get involved to help rebuild what others have torn down.

This Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Wal-Mart, Safeway and the Apple Festival in Pine, you can pick up a ribbon to show your support for the victims of domestic violence and bring home information about stopping such abuse.

A community-wide prayer day will be held Sunday at many local churches. And residents can participate in the candlelight walk and vigil Thursday, Oct. 14.

For more information about these and other events scheduled for the month of October, call the Time Out Shelter at 472-8007.